Duquesne, which would like to wipe away the memories of the old year, rang in the new year with a victory it hopes will be a springboard for better times in 2005.

The poor-shooting Youngstown State Penguins (3-8) proved to be the tonic for the ailing Dukes (3-10), whose smiles told the tale of a 78-54 win yesterday before 2,731 at Palumbo Center.

"A win is the best medicine we could get," Duquesne coach Danny Nee said. "This really helps us mentally."

It would be foolish to believe all of Duquesne's problems were solved, particularly in a game against a lightweight opponent, but there at least were some encouraging signs. Duquesne's energy level was higher than it has been for a while and its confidence soared with each of Youngstown State's missed shots.

The Penguins could have used a map to locate the basket.

They made 5 of 25 shots in the first half and missed their first seven attempts after intermission as Duquesne opened up a 42-18 lead that never was seriously threatened.

Youngstown State needed a late flurry of baskets long after the outcome had been determined to finish 16 of 55 for 29.1 percent -- the lowest shooting percentage against Duquesne since George Mason's 27 percent Dec. 31, 2001.

"We played some defense, for once," said Duquesne sophomore center Kieron Achara, who had 14 points, 3 rebounds and 5 blocks.

Duquesne's 10 blocks were its most in a game since it had 12 against George Washington in 1990.

"The blocked shots were important because they can be demoralizing," Nee said. "Blocks can really change the game. It gives you momentum."

The Dukes wanted to start rolling in the right direction from the outset to wipe away the sting of Wednesday's 74-63 loss at Robert Morris.

"We were very vulnerable," Nee said. "I was pleased with our attitude."

Duquesne's Bryant McAllister scored a team-high 16 points and freshman forward DeVario Hudson, who was suspended for the game against Robert Morris because he returned late to campus after Christmas break, had 12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks. Freshman forward Chauncey Duke had four points and a career-high seven rebounds and redshirt freshman center Sean McKeon had 6 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks.

"We have to keep getting the young guys playing time," Nee said. "This win doesn't solve anything, but it certainly feels good. I was pleased we could play some defense, rebound the basketball and find a way to win."

Youngstown State guard Quin Humphrey had team highs of 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Duquesne, which has had trouble defending 3-point shooters, limited Youngstown State to 4 of 14 from beyond the arc.

"People have been shooting career highs against us, that's a sick feeling," Achara said. "We know we have to play hard, especially on the defensive end."

Martin Osimani, who had seven assists and kept the offense moving, said: "We're not going to give up. We still practice three hours a day. This should give us a good jump-start for the conference. We want to erase everything that's happened in the past.

"We keep talking about what we're going to do. I don't want to talk any more."

NOTES -- Osimani's streak of 20 consecutive made free throws ended when he missed the first of two free throws after Youngstown State coach John Robic, a graduate of North Hills High School, was called for a bench technical early in the second half. ... Duquesne's next game is Wednesday at Dayton in the opener of the Atlantic 10 Conference schedule.